We’ve all heard of OnlyFans—and let’s be honest, most people immediately think of one thing. But here’s the plot twist: the platform isn’t just about provocative content. A couple of years ago, I attended Collision in Toronto, where OnlyFans CEO Kelly Blair talked about how the site continues to evolve into a space for creators of all kinds, from chefs and artists to musicians, fitness experts, and athletes. You didn’t know?
So imagine our surprise when one of the latest creators to catch our attention wasn’t a celebrity or influencer—it was the Hill Potters Guild in Richmond Hill.
The longtime arts organization has been teaching ceramics, hosting exhibitions, and bringing pottery lovers together for decades. Now, thanks to the growing mindful craft movement (and a little social media curiosity), it’s attracting an entirely new audience. Like many arts organizations today, one of its biggest challenges has been introducing a new generation to the craft. As it turns out, the unexpected OnlyFans platform might be helping them do just that!
Working with Toronto creative agency Blackjet, the Guild has created “Ceramics Are Sexy”, a new, cheeky campaign and OnlyFans channel inspired by the famous pottery scene in Ghost and built around the idea that creating pottery is tactile, immersive, physical, and surprisingly satisfying. Ahhh…see the tie-in, now?
The Hill Potters Guild’s channel features tutorials and educational content that playfully lean into the sensual side of ceramics while introducing audiences to the very real benefits of working with clay. In fact, research has linked pottery arts to reduced stress, increased mindfulness, improved focus, emotional wellbeing, and a stronger sense of connection and accomplishment, qualities that have helped fuel renewed interest in ceramics.
We had a chance to learn more from Kathy Verbeek-Chawrun of the Hill Potters Guild…
Hand crafts seem to be gaining in interest. What are some ways we can explore this medium?
Verbeek-Chawrun: Hand crafts of all sorts have been seen as interesting and necessary since the beginning of time. They have, however, waxed and waned in popularity especially among the more industrialized nations over time. I think now people are looking for ways to slow down. We spend so much of our lives on our phones and computers that making something with your hands feels really refreshing.
That’s one of the things I love about pottery. You have to be present. You have to focus on what you’re doing. It’s creative, it’s physical and it’s a chance to step away from the pace of everyday life. Whether you’re making your first mug or your fiftieth bowl, there’s something really satisfying about creating something from a lump of clay.
What made you fall in love with your craft?
Verbeek-Chawrun: I’ve always loved handmade ceramics, so eventually I wanted to learn how they were made. It turned out to be much harder than I expected, but also much more rewarding. Clay is heavy, physical and incredibly tactile. It can become almost anything, which is part of what makes it so exciting to work with. Then I discovered the firing process, and that opened up a whole new world. Suddenly there was glaze chemistry, kiln temperatures and the science behind how every piece comes to life.
That’s what has kept me hooked. Pottery is creative and expressive, but it’s also physical, technical and endlessly fascinating. There’s always something new to learn.
Now that the Guild has an OnlyFans page, what has been a surprise?
Verbeek-Chawrun: I’ll admit, OnlyFans wasn’t exactly on my radar before Blackjet brought us the idea.
Like any new idea, we talked it through as a Guild. There were definitely a few raised eyebrows, but once we understood the thinking behind it and saw the creative, everyone realized it was clever, tasteful and actually a really fun way to talk about pottery.
The biggest surprise has been how quickly people got the joke. They come for the OnlyFans, but they stay to learn about ceramics. That’s exactly what we hoped would happen.
What’s coming up for the Hill Potters Guild in person?
Verbeek-Chawrun: We’ll keep doing what we’ve been doing for nearly 50 years: teaching classes, hosting events, taking part in the Richmond Hill community and sharing our love of ceramics. We believe in our guild, our members, our community, our product and we will continue to do so.
We hope this campaign encourages more people to visit the Guild, try a class or simply discover pottery for the first time.
As for OnlyFans, we’ll see where it goes. It’s been a lot of fun so far, and it’s certainly helped people look at pottery in a new way. Right now we’re enjoying the conversation it’s started.
Interested? Could be a great date or girls’ night out! Learn more about their classes and upcoming events here.